Port Wing in Bayfield County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

School Consolidation

Photographed by Paul F

1. School Consolidation Marker

Inscription. As the 20th century began, logging operations were in full swing in this area and the small log schoolhouses could not handle the increasing number of students. Some classes were held in churches but additional facilities were needed.

T.N. Okerstrom and James C. Daly conceived the idea of consolidating the rural districts and establishing a larger school with free transportation. It was a new idea and there was resistance but after numerous meetings and much planning, a new school district was completed in January 1903.

S.A. Baxter was principal, with a salary of $70 per month, and teachers Mary Kinney and Nettie Trolander each received $40 per month.

So far as is known, this was the first school district in Wisconsin to provide free, tax-supported transportation. Canvas covered horse drawn wagons or sleighs, known as “school rigs” were used for this purpose.

Erected 1964 by State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 145.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society

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series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1903.

Location. 46° 46.505′ N, 91° 23.203′ W. Marker is in Port Wing, Wisconsin, in Bayfield County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 13 and Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 13. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Wing WI 54865, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Wisconsin’s North Shore. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

and on Lake Superior’s South Shore Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Port Wing Brown Stone (a few steps from this marker); "The Gym" (approx. 7 miles away); Moquah Natural Area (approx. 13.7 miles away).

Photographed by Greta Schassler, September 26, 2025

2. School Consolidation Marker

Photographed by Paul F, September 22, 2010

3. School Consolidation Marker

Photographed by Paul F, September 22, 2010

4. School Consolidation Marker

Historical Vehicles on Display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul F, September 22, 2010

5. Historical Vehicles on Display

School Consolidation Marker and Historical Vehicles on Display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul F, September 22, 2010

6. School Consolidation Marker and Historical Vehicles on Display

Photographed by Greta Schassler, September 26, 2025

7. School Consolidation Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,732 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 18, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on September 26, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 28, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on September 26, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.